Hospice Volunteers Caring for the Pets of Dying Patients

Most pet parents consider their dog an important member of their family. But if you’re facing a terminal illness, it’s hard to know who to turn to for the care of your fur kids. Many patients resist going to hospices for fear of having to give up their pooches.

That’s where the Pet Peace of Mind (PPOM) program steps in. According to Banfieldcharitabletrust.org, PPOM was designed “to help nonprofit hospices keep patients and their pets together during the end-of-life journey. Support for the program also helps hospices find adoptive homes for pets, giving patients peace of mind that their pets will always have loving homes.”

Volunteers typically help with tasks such as feeding and walking your dog, and dropping him off at the vet.

The program, funded in part by a $5,000 grant from the Banfield Charitable Trust and matched by Summa’s Pet Peace of Mind, is staffed by volunteers, Summa Volunteer Coordinator Angela Tetrick told miamiherald.com.

PPOM is currently available in 25 states, including three locations in California: Hospice of Humboldt, San Diego Hospice and Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

“Hospices are starting to recognize the therapeutic benefits of keeping the animal and owner together until the end,” Delana Taylor McNac, founder and manager of Pet Peace of Mind, told miamiherald.com. “Nationwide, 50 hospices offer the program.”

PHOTO: Elsie esq.

Kara Ogushi

Contributing writer Kara Ogushi is a pet mom to two dogs and five rabbits. When she isn’t writing travel tips for pooches, she’s exploring new ways to share and create media.